Air Force Tech Connect and APEX: Transforming the Defense Innovation Ecosystem

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In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at revolutionizing the defense innovation landscape, the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) teamed up with the Air Force Research Laboratory Strategic Partnering Directorate (AFRL/SP) to foster innovation, collaboration, and accessibility within the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem. This partnership exemplifies how strategic alliances can lead to transformative outcomes, advancing both military and commercial innovation. 

 

The Catalyst for Collaboration 

 

The journey began with AFRL's request for a platform to streamline the collection of key points of contact from industry, academia, and government agencies with relevant capabilities. APEX's Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) was specifically set up to support efforts in connecting these entities, making APEX the perfect partner for AFRL. According to Erin Holden, APEX Division and Program Manager, "Our longstanding relationships within the defense sector, combined with our experience in building innovation ecosystems, made APEX an ideal partner for AFRL. We understood the challenges they were facing and were ready to offer our expertise in creating a seamless connection point between innovators and the Air Force." 

 

Together, APEX and AFRL launched Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect in the spring of 2020—a dynamic platform designed to connect entrepreneurs, researchers, and small businesses with DAF and Space Force S&T opportunities. By creating a virtual front door, Tech Connect provides seamless access to experts and resources within the DAF, eliminating bureaucratic barriers and enabling real-time innovation. 

 

Why APEX Was the Right Partner 

 

APEX was perfectly positioned to lead this effort thanks to its status as a PIA with the DAF. This agreement allowed APEX to serve AFRL without the administrative barriers that typically hinder collaboration. The team brought together its breadth of skills in data analytics, marketing communications (MarCom), ecosystem engagement, and small business training to create a robust, user-friendly platform for innovators. 

 

Erin Holden, emphasizes, "The PIA gave us a streamlined channel to collaborate with AFRL and leverage our expertise in ecosystem building, data collection, and innovation support. We were able to bring our best minds together to create a platform that meets the needs of innovators while aligning with the Air Force's strategic goals." 

 

Elizabeth Escamilla, Collaboration Division Chief in AFRL/SP, further elaborates on the importance of this collaboration, "APEX has been an invaluable partner in realizing the vision of Air Force Tech Connect. Their expertise in working with diverse stakeholders, paired with their deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, enabled us to create a platform that is accessible, impactful, and tailored to the needs of the S&T community. APEX's work has helped break down barriers and make it easier for innovators to connect with the Air Force and Space Force." 

 

Key Achievements and Impact 

 

The Tech Connect platform has achieved several milestones since its launch: 

  • Website Redesign (August 2021): After a redesign, the platform saw consistent monthly increases in website traffic, improved SEO performance, and higher Google search rankings. 

  • Success Stories Showcase: Notable examples of Tech Connect’s impact include collaborations with companies like Penn Jet Propulsion, Multi AI, and ZKxKZ, showcasing the platform’s ability to connect innovators with relevant DAF opportunities. 

  • Improved Accessibility: The website serves as a centralized hub for academic, industry, and government innovators to share ideas and connect with the Air and Space Forces. 

  • Monthly Feedback Loop: Every idea submission on the platform receives feedback, ensuring a continuous loop of communication and collaboration. 

A Unique Approach to Collaboration 

 

Tech Connect has become an essential tool for fostering collaboration within the defense innovation ecosystem, and other defense organizations are beginning to follow its model. Elizabeth adds, "What sets Tech Connect apart is that it serves as a direct 'front door' for innovators to connect with both the Air Force and Space Force. This model has proven successful, and we’re proud that others in the defense sector are starting to adopt similar approaches." 

 

Advice for Future Collaborations 

 

For organizations looking to establish successful partnerships in the defense or technology sectors, the APEX-AFRL collaboration offers valuable insights: 

  • Proximity to the Ecosystem: Being near key players in the defense sector can be a significant advantage. 

  • Strong Relationships: Building relationships within the agency and demonstrating proven success can increase the likelihood of future collaborations. 

  • Proof of Success: Offering proof points and metrics that demonstrate successful projects is critical for credibility. 

 

APEX's Broader Impact on Innovation 

 

Beyond building the platform, APEX has continuously promoted Tech Connect to innovators across various sectors. The APEX Deputy Program Manager, Michael Bianco, has championed the platform at every outreach opportunity, including SBIR/STTR task force presentations, industry pitch decks, and outreach through other APEX initiatives. Michael highlights the importance of collaboration in promoting the platform, "Everywhere we go, whether it’s SBIR/STTR information sessions or small business and academic workshops, we talk about Tech Connect. It’s a valuable tool for connecting innovators with the Air Force’s technology needs, and we make sure that message gets to the right audience." 

 

Future Initiatives and Insights from the Design Thinking Workshop 

 

In May 2024, APEX hosted a Design Thinking Workshop in collaboration with AFRL/SP to explore the future of the Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect platform. This intensive two-day session brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and small businesses to envision the "art of the possible" for Tech Connect. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative discussions to identify emerging trends and technological advancements that could further streamline the platform’s capabilities. 

One of the key outcomes from the workshop was the identification of new opportunities to integrate advanced technologies such as machine learning and AI-driven tools to enhance the user experience. The workshop also highlighted the need to simplify the navigation process for small businesses and academic partners looking to connect with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and the Space Force. 

 

Additionally, the workshop helped map out clear pathways to better align the platform with the rapidly evolving needs of the technology transition and innovation communities. As a result, APEX and AFRL/SP are now focusing on refining Tech Connect’s capabilities to foster even deeper connections between the Air Force and the broader S&T ecosystem. 

 

Erin Holden, shared her thoughts on the workshop’s impact: “The Design Thinking Workshop allowed us to take a step back and reimagine how Tech Connect could better serve the partners serving the DAF. We were able to gather valuable insights that will help us continue to drive meaningful innovation and collaboration within the defense sector.” 

 

Looking ahead, APEX remains committed to ensuring Tech Connect evolves in ways that foster stronger partnerships and accelerates the flow of ideas, solutions, and opportunities between the defense sector and the innovation community. 

 

In Conclusion 

The collaboration between APEX and AFRL/SP has been instrumental in transforming the defense innovation landscape. Through the creation and promotion of the Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect platform, APEX has helped bridge the gap between innovators and the DAF, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and growth. 

 

 

About the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) 

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.  

 

About Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect  

The Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect website provides access to current, open opportunities, meet-up events, other Department of the Air Force science and technology enterprise connectors and a way for anyone to share an idea. The Tech Connect team, comprised of AFRL personnel, connects quality, relevant ideas/technologies with Department of the Air Force subject matter experts. The team will review ideas/inquiries, provide feedback on innovative ideas and establish a dialogue with potentially interested Air Force and Space Force programs. For more information, visit: https://airforcetechconnect.org/.  

 

About Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX)     

APEX cultivates innovation by expanding the American research enterprise for the Department of the Air Force by engaging, connecting, and enabling innovators across academia, industry, and the Department of Defense. APEX utilizes data analytics to identify transformational operational defense solutions in academia, industry, and government sectors; provides process navigation services for academic teams and small businesses and enhances cross-sector engagement by providing direct connections to the technology needs of multiple Department of Defense programs. For more information, visit www.apex-innovates.org